Subject: News from NDI: Launch of DemTools 2.0 Advances Democratic Politics
From: "National Democratic Institute" <[email-masked]>
To: "R. Hunter Biden" <[email-masked]>
Date: Wed, 30 Dec 2015 16:48:08 -0500

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 		 [2]

 		Launch of DemTools 2.0 Advances Democratic Politics [2]

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 		December 2015

 [2] 

On December 9, over 300 people attended, in person or via livestream, NDI's
unveiling of DemTools 2.0 [3], a new online, open-source toolbox to help
civic groups manage data, and better prepare governments to better
understand and respond to citizens' concerns. Rep. Anna Eshoo, the co-chair
of the Congressional Internet Caucus, and Governor Howard Dean gave keynote
remarks at the launch event. 

The purpose of the udpated DemTools is to provide easily accessible and
adaptable information technology for civil society organizations, political
parties and parliaments without the need to purchase expensive software or
to hire high-priced software developers. Read more » [2] 

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Campaign Schools Mobilize Thousands Across Middle East and North Africa [4]
[4] 

Even in the most open political environments in the Middle East and North
Africa (MENA) region, aspiring political actors have lacked experience,
knowledge and exposure to democratic processes, particularly when it comes
to running for office. Recognizing this need, NDI launched the Regional
Campaign Schools program in the MENA region in 2012, training a total of
328 individuals who later trained over 15,000 other activists. Read more »
[4] 

High Expectations for Democracy in Burkina Faso After 2015 Elections [5]
[5] 

November 29 marked a historic transition to democratic rule in Burkina
Faso, as the country held the fairest and most competitive elections since
its independence from France in 1960. An October 2014 popular uprising
toppled President Blaise Compaoré, who tried to amend the country's
constitution and extend his 27-year rule. To provide Burkina's citizens
with high-quality, impartial information on the quality of their elections,
NDI supported civil society to undertake two complementary, nationwide
election monitoring initiatives. Read more » [5] 

A New National Assembly for Venezuela [6] [6] 

Against the backdrop of growing authoritarian rule and a worsening economic
crisis, Venezuelans went to the polls on December 6 to elect a new
legislature. The ruling party of President Nicolas Maduro experienced an
unprecedented defeat as Venezuelans turned out in large numbers and voted
decisively to put the country's National Assembly under the control of the
opposition -- Democratic Unity Table (Mesa de Unidad Democrática, MUD) --
for the first time in 17 years. Read more » [6] 

10 Years of the House Democracy Partnership [7] [7] 

Members of Congress, including Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, commemorated
the 10th anniversary of the House Democracy Partnership (HDP) -- a
legislative initiative to help build the capacity of parliaments around the
world to govern with greater accountability and become more responsive to
citizen needs. The Partnership is co-chaired by Representatives Peter
Roskam (R-IL) and David Price (D-NC). During a period of heightened
political polarization, the HDP sends a bipartisan message of solidarity
and partnership with democratic legislatures around the world. Read more »
[7] 

DemWorks Blog | Women's Participation Will Build a Better Future for
Lebanon [8] 

 [8] 

Since 2012, NDI has worked with the Lebanese Women in Parliament, a
coalition of women's groups and activists, as it developed its strategy and
messages for political leaders, presenting evidence-based arguments for why
women's participation contributes to better governance. Now, the coalition
is convening MPs and civil society to discuss how to implement a gender
quota in Lebanon's parliament. ​ Read more » [8] 

DemWorks Blog | Venezuela, Burma, Burkina Faso: Connect the Democratic
Dots… [9] 

 [9] 

In the four weeks between November 8 and December 6, 2015, the citizens of
Myanmar (Burma), Burkina Faso and Venezuela delivered surprises: resounding
electoral defeats to military rule, strongman domination and populist
authoritarianism. These developments are the consequence of perseverance by
democratic activists. ​ Read more » [9] 

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nongovernmental organization working to support and strengthen democratic
institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness and
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